Port Vila City Council has received a new waste management Bulldozer worth more than VT22 million to strengthen waste management operations at the Bouffa Landfill.
The bulldozer was provided through support from Indo Aid and was officially handed over by the Department of Environment during a ceremony held at Bouffa yesterday.
Officials say the equipment will help the council better manage waste disposal and prepare additional landfill space as the volume of rubbish continues to grow.
Minister for Climate Change and Environment, Ralph Regenvanu, said waste management remains one of Vanuatu’s biggest environmental challenges and highlighted government plans to improve landfill facilities across the provinces.
“Some provinces are already securing land in Malekula, Penama and Tafea, but if we cannot deal with waste properly here, it will be difficult elsewhere. It is important that we establish a sustainable system. There is growing interest from private companies in China, New Caledonia and Australia that want to work with us in the waste sector, and we must be ready to coordinate and identify exactly what we need.”
Director of the Department of Environment, Melenamu Osborne, handed over the keys to the machine to Port Vila City Council during the official ceremony.
Acting Clerk of Port Vila City Council, Ettienne Ravo, said the Bouffa Landfill is facing increasing pressure due to the growing amount of waste being transported to the site each day.
“We need to prepare for the increasing volume of waste arriving not only from Port Vila City but also from other parts of Shefa Province that use this landfill facility.”
During the event, the council also signed a maintenance agreement with Bodiam, which will be responsible for servicing and maintaining the machine.
The maintenance contract is valued at approximately VT4 million over the next three years.
“One of the biggest challenges is maintenance, but with these contracts in place, we hope this equipment will continue operating effectively for many years.”
The handover marks an important step in strengthening waste management services in Port Vila and supporting a cleaner and healthier environment for residents.
